This genus contains the only "sandfish" found in the USA, N. reynoldsi. At first sight it appears completely legless (Bartlett), but has in fact four tiny limbs which it folds against its body when in motion. It is found mainly in areas of rosemary scrub where moist sand underlies dry sand and it can burrow (Conant and Collins). Food consists mainly of termites and beetle larvae, most of which are caught during its burrowing (ibid). If caught it may "play possum".
Stejneger gives the following details for the genus: palatine bones separated on the median line of the palate; two toes on each hindlimb and a single toe on each forelimb; nostril between two nasals; supranasals present; no frontoparietals.
The range of N. reynoldsi is restricted within the state of Florida, and it is protected by both state and federal laws.
Recently some authorities have referred this species to the genus Eumeces instead. Telford suggested that the ancestral form of Neoseps was similar to Eumeces egregius.
"A new genus and species of lizard from Florida", Leonhard Stejneger, Proceedings of the US Natural History Museum, Vol 39, No 1773, 1910.
"Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles: Neoseps", Sam R Telford Jr, 1969. Detailed summary of the species, including all scalation details.
"Subsurface Skinks 101 - Random Notes", R D Bartlett, Reptile & Amphibian Hobbyist 5:3. Useful article on several skink species including Neoseps, Pygomeles, Chalcides ocellatus, Scincus, Amphiglossus melanurus, Sphenops and Voeltzkowia.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America, Roger Conant and Joseph T Collins, Peterson Field Guides, 3rd edition 1998.
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